Assassin’s Creed III

Published on December 15, 2012, by Jason Gardner - Posted in Video Games0

8Overall Score

Gameplay:8/10

Visuals:7/10

Story:9/10

Great story, coupled with increased freedom, equals great game.

Visually this game runs into too many issues with character animations via glitches.

Let me get this out of the way here: I hate Assassin’s Creed. Or maybe at some point I did. Previous plays in the series got a little too repetitive or just didn’t quite feel right in the overall scope of the game. However, there’s something subtle about the way ACIII hits the screen in all of its revolution-based glory. Be it the increased freedom, the smoother mechanics or simply just keeping this game from getting completely monotonous, Assassin’s Creed III not only impresses enough for the long-time franchise backer, but it is a full-on mind-changer for anyone who maybe thought this game was hyped just a bit too much.

After trudging through the obligatory introduction of the game and its controls, the story takes a front seat in what turns out to be a slow, but steady rise to our protagonist Connor’s role in the time frame of the American Revolution. Jumping back and forth from the bustle of Boston and New York to the serene, yet easily deadly sprawl of the frontier turns out to be a fresh step in terms of pacing the gameplay between hectic chases and pinpoint assassinations. The twist is that instead of only hunting down targets, the frontier gives you the opportunity to build your skills in hunting game from bears to raccoons for the sake of gathering skins for cash. It’s really just one part of a pretty deep, yet not overly distracting task of building funds via trade and creation through recruiting people for your cause. Granted, the amount of time you put into this is really up to you, but it is kind of cool to know that your hunting is doing more than just sharpening your skills.

Another interesting, albeit odd facet of gameplay lies in the ship-steering capabilities of being a captain. You literally get to set sail and take down other ships while out on various missions. The controls take some time getting used to, and to be honest this section of the game is really out in left field, but it’s not completely lacking in entertainment value. It was also the most difficult to truly master in my case, but for what it is worth it is a nice little addition to things to keep you from getting overly bored with seeking people out in the main missions – my main gripe with previous games in this franchise.

As far as your work as Connor is concerned, the fighting usually ends up working as it should, though the occasional glitch or complete overload of enemies can be a bit of a hassle as you counter-to-counterattack your way out of most of your fights. It’s rather methodical and somewhat lacking in creativity, but the satisfaction of a vicious tomahawk to the chest can be just as moving as the slowed down act of launching from a tree to take down a key target.

In its finality though, the story is what seems to be the biggest draw to this game in my eyes, even if perhaps at times things feel a bit too loose for some narratives. Without giving anything away, the progress between your 1770s character and the present-day implications of Desmond Miles has great interplay in the presentation of the weight of what seems to be a very real implication outside the scope of this game. As Connor moves through pivotal moments in the birth of the United States, Desmond is attempting to stop the end of everything as it seems. If anything, the story is supremely moving and seemingly not distracted by the glitches the game engine propelling it manufactures from start to finish.

Assassin’s Creed III is not perfect. But for what it is worth, the latest installment in the franchise is somehow fresh and interesting without completely destroying the main point of the game. Armed with a strong story and plenty of ways to spend your time in the vast frontier of young America, this is a game you’d be foolish to overlook.